Financial Aid

Applying for Aid

Applying for financial aid is easy. To be considered for all types of aid, everyone must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. There are a few additional requirements for new students, graduate students and New York State residents. To get started, choose an option below.

01

Complete the CSS Profile Application

All new students must complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to be considered for institutional financial aid. There is a fee to apply, but you may qualify for a waiver based on family income and assets.

Don't leave anything blank! You can still complete the FAFSA even if you haven’t yet filed your current income tax returns (although we prefer you complete your taxes first for accuracy).

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.

Check the box to be considered for all available aid. You can always turn down particular types of aid later.

03

Apply for New York State's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State residents only. The TAP application process begins when you complete the FAFSA. You cannot complete the TAP application until your FAFSA is submitted. After completing your FAFSA online, you can proceed immediately to the TAP application by clicking the link on the FAFSA confirmation page. If you don’t apply at that time, you will have to wait five business days for your FAFSA information to be received by TAP and can apply at the following page.

Don't leave anything blank! You can still complete the FAFSA even if you haven’t yet filed your current income tax returns (although we prefer you complete your taxes first for accuracy).

Make sure your Social Security number and date of birth are accurate.

Do not use your Ithaca College student ID number on the FAFSA.

Check the box to be considered for all available aid. You can always turn down particular types of aid later.

02

Apply for New York State's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State residents only.

If you received TAP last year

TAP has a multi-year application process, so if you received TAP last year you may not need to apply again. However, you do need to file the FAFSA every year to be considered for TAP.

Based on information on file and in your FAFSA, NYSHESC will email you with eligibility and award information. You should verify that all information is correct. If any information is incorrect, you should submit a TAP change form, which will appear as a link in the email message you receive.

If you have never applied for TAP

After completing your FAFSA online, you can proceed immediately to the TAP application by clicking the link on the FAFSA confirmation page. If you don’t apply at that time, you will have to wait five business days for your FAFSA information to be received by TAP and can apply at the following page.